China's First Aircraft Carrier Goes Out to Sea

China's first aircraft carrier conducted its first seagoing voyage, traveling from northern China to southern China and transiting several hotspots along the way. The eight ship carrier battle group is the most powerful Chinese naval task force in six hundred years.

China's first and only aircraft carrier, Liaoning, left its home port at Qingdao in northern China and took a politically charged route through Japan's Ryukyu island chain and the East China Sea. From there it passed through the South China Sea, nearing Taiwan and the Philippines, and finally ended up at Sanya Naval Base on Hainan Island.

Primarily a training carrier meant to train China's future naval aviators, Liaoning has rarely left the coastline of northern China. The carrier mainly conducts operations in the Yellow Sea between China and the Korean peninsula. Not only was this Liaoning's longest voyage, it was also spotted with thirteen Shenyang J-15 "Flying Shark" fighters on the flight deck—the most ever.

Accompanying the carrier was a full complement of surface escorts including two Type 052C and one Type 052D destroyers. The Type 052 class is an anti-air warfare destroyer similar to the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Also accompanying the carrier were 2 Type 054A frigates, 1 Type 056A anti-submarine warfare corvette, and one Type 903A supply ship. This gives Liaoning a well-rounded protective screen of China's most modern anti-air and anti-submarine escorts.

Chinese Navy 052C destroyer Zhengzhou, part of Liaoning's battle group as it passed through the Miyako Strait. Japan Self Defense Force photo.

U.S. Navy carrier strike groups are typically escorted by a nuclear attack submarine. Although such a submarine wasn't spotted in Liaoning's presence, it's possible one was present and simply cruising underwater. If a Chinese submarine was detected, it would be customary to not acknowledge its presence, so the Chinese Navy doesn't realize how easily their submarines are detected.

Chinese Navy Type 054A frigate, part of Liaoning's battle group as it passed through the Miyako Strait. Japan Self Defense Force photo.

This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.